Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing filter recognition

ABSTRACT

The application generally relates to digital Engine Integrity Protection (EIP) systems for filters for internal combustion engines and methods of using the digital EIP systems. A pre-programmed digital chip is integrated in filtration hardware such that the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or another controller installed on the engine or vehicle can read encrypted digital signal from the chip when electrically connected with the filter hardware. Based on the read information from the chip, the ECU or controller can determine whether the filter associated with the chip is a genuine filter or a non-genuine filter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/810,946, entitled “APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDINGFILTER RECOGNITION,” filed on Apr. 11, 2013, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD

The present application relates to filters and filtration systems,including filtration systems for internal combustion engines.Specifically, the present application relates to methods and apparatusesfor recognition of genuine filter use in such systems.

BACKGROUND

Internal combustion engines require clean working fluids (e.g., air,fuel, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, etc.) for efficient operations.Accordingly, filters (e.g., air filters, fuel filters, engine oilfilters, hydraulic fluid filters, etc.) are utilized to provide cleanworking fluids to internal combustion engines. The filters have alimited lifecycle and are often replaced with replacement filters duringroutine servicing of the internal combustion engines. The use of sub-parreplacement filters (e.g., non-OEM filters, counterfeit filters, etc.)can lead to reduced engine system performance and possibly enginefailure.

In certain situations, customers request the use of sub-par replacementfilters to save money. In other situations, customers request the use ofgenuine replacement filters during engine servicing operations, but areinstead unknowingly given generic filters, non-OEM filters, orcounterfeit filters. In these situations, the customers may be chargedfull price for genuine replacement filters without knowledge of thenon-genuine replacement filters being used. Accordingly, filtermanufacturers utilize various forms of Engine Integrity Protection (EIP)to prevent the use of non-genuine replacement filters. For example, U.S.Pat. Nos. 8,114,182, 8,105,483, 7,959,714, 7,850,845, 7,615,151,7,192,463, 6,537,444, and 6,533,926 and U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2011/0308396 disclose various mechanical EIP systems(e.g., systems that require uniquely mating mechanical parts to functionproperly) and analog EIP systems (e.g., resistor based systems thatdetermine filter genuineness based on detected voltage changes). Each ofthe above recited patent and patent application documents areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. An exemplaryanalog EIP method is shown in FIG. 7.

However, the current mechanical and analog EIP systems may requireexpensive tooling, may take up excessive packaging space, and/or may beeasily counterfeited. Accordingly, there is a need for digital EIPsystems to prevent installation of sub-performing and counterfeitfilters during servicing operations of internal combustion engines.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described herein below in the detailed description. This summaryis not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting thescope of the claimed subject matter.

In the present disclosure, apparatuses, systems and methods are forproviding filter recognition. A filter element is constructed to filtera fluid. A pre-programmed digital Integrated Circuit (IC) is coupled tothe filter element (e.g. attached to the filter element or a housing forthe filter element) and contains an encrypted digital signal thatidentifies the filter element (e.g. identifies the filter element and/orhousing as a recognized/authorized component). A control circuit readsthe digital signal from the micro-chip and compares the digital signalto a stored signal to determine whether the filter element is arecognized filter element.

In some examples, an electronic system provides unique identification ofa genuine filter system assembly to a control circuit, such as theengine control unit (ECU). An electronic memory component (for example,a 1-WIRE® chip, EEPROM, EPROM etc.) is an integrated part of theexisting filtration system hardware such that when connected through awired or wireless connection, the ECU reads digital encryptedinformation from the chip and identifies the filter as a genuine filter.The digital chip can be integrated in any part of the filter system suchthat it could be used to recognize a self-contained filter or thecartridge. The digital chip connection can be made via male/female pins,conducting wires, plates, conductive plastic material or any othermeans.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a digital chip bus system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a method of reading a digital chip of a digital EngineIntegrity Protection (EIP) system and performing a digital recognitionof a component of a filter system based on the digital chip according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 3A through 3D show a water-in-fuel (WIF) sensor system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4A through 4E show a digital chip based filter recognition systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5A through 5F show a filter cartridge according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 6A through 6E show a filter assembly according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a method of performing analog EIP according to an exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beinferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to bebroadly construed. The different methods, apparatus, filters, assembliesand systems described herein may be used alone

The figures generally relate to digital Engine Integrity Protection(EIP) systems for filters for internal combustion engines and methods ofusing the digital EIP systems. A pre-programmed digital chip (e.g., a1-WIRE® chip) is integrated in filtration hardware such that the EngineControl Unit (ECU) or another controller installed on the engine orvehicle can read encrypted digital signal from the chip whenelectrically connected with the filter hardware. Based on the readinformation from the chip, the ECU or controller can determine whetherthe filter associated with the chip is a genuine filter or a non-genuinefilter.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of a digital microchip or chip(e.g., a 1-WIRE® chip) bus system 100 is shown according to an exemplaryembodiment. The system includes a digital microchip 102, referred toherein as a digital chip. The digital chip 102 is used as a recognitiondevice for a component of a filter system of an internal combustionengine. The digital chip 102 can be integrated on an integrated circuit,which then is installed permanently on the filter system. The digitalchip bus system 100 utilizes a serial communication protocol with asingle data line 104 and ground reference 106 to establish electroniccommunication between the digital chip 102 and a master controller 108(e.g., a 1-WIRE® Master). The master controller 108 is in communicationwith a controller of the internal combustion engine (e.g., the ECU oranother controller) via a wired or wireless data link. The mastercontroller 108 initiates and controls the communication with one or moredigital chips 102 on the single data line 104. A pull-up resistor 110 ispositioned on the single data line 104. The digital chip 102 includes amemory module 112. The memory module 112 may include volatile ornon-volatile memory. The memory may be read-only memory or rewritablememory. Information about the component of the filter system may bestored on the memory. The information may include a filter part number,a serial code, date of manufacture, location of manufacture, and otheridentifying information.

The digital chip 102 is used to identify the component of the filtersystem. Generally, a method of using the digital chip 102 to identifythe component includes loading the memory module 112 of the digital chip102 with unique digital code, embedding the digital chip 102 into acomponent of the filter system, using a control circuit (e.g., themaster controller 108) to read the unique code stored in the chip,verifying the code against a reference database or mathematicalfunction, and issuing feedback upon completing verification to acontroller (e.g., the ECU or another controller) of the internalcombustion engine.

The unique digital code may be a unique filter code corresponding to afilter. The unique filter code can be loaded into the memory module 112through a wired or wireless digital signal connection with a programmingdevice. The digital chip 102 can be integrated permanently to theserviceable filter component of the filter assembly. For example, thechip could be integrated into the shell for a spin-on filter or into theelement for a cartridge/module-style filter. The unique digital codestored in the memory module 112 of the digital chip 102 is read by acontrol circuit (e.g., the master controller 108, the ECU, anothercontroller, etc.). In some arrangements, the reading of the unique codestored in the digital chip 102 may be accomplished through a wired orwireless communication link to a control circuit tied to a neighboringsub-system. The unique code may be read by the control circuit bysending a request via the communication link at present time intervals(e.g., every 10 minutes of engine run time), at every key on event, oras a result of a certain condition (e.g., after a filter service isperformed). The control circuit can comprise one or more control modulesor sections, each having a memory and a processor for sending andreceiving control signals and for communicating with peripheral devices,including additional control circuits, sensors, input devices, andoutput devices. The control circuit may perform the code verificationprocess by executing a series of internal logic processes andreferencing a lookup table or mathematical function as baseline. Uponcompleting verification process, control circuit may issue output to anoperator or a technician via a user interface of the internal combustionengine in the forms of text messages displayed on a display screen,generating fault code, activating warning light, or by any othersuitable means.

Referring to FIG. 2, a method 200 of reading a digital chip (e.g.,digital chip 102) of a digital EIP system and performing a digitalrecognition of a component of a filter system based on the digital chipis shown according to an exemplary embodiment. A controller or an ECUperforms the processes of method 200. The controller or the ECU can havea pre-programmed routine such that when a chip (installed on the filterhardware) is connected, the controller or ECU will perform method 200.The method 200 begins when the controller initializes its memory (202).The controller executes a memory function command stored in the memory(204). The controller requests and receives information from the digitalchip (206). To be able to perform the digital recognition function, anelectronic connection is necessary between the digital chip of thecomponent of the filter system and the ECU or controller. Theinformation may include parameters about the component of the filtersystem, including filter part number, serial code, date of manufacture,location of manufacture, and so on. The controller determines if thereceived information is valid (208). If the information is not valid,the controller repeats processes 204 and 206 until valid information isreceived. If the information is valid, the controller compares thereceived information with preprogrammed codes relating to a genuinefilter component (210). The preprogrammed information may be stored in adata array. The controller determines if the data matches thepreprogrammed information in the data array (212). If the data does notmatch, the controller marks the component as not genuine (214). If thedata matches, the controller marks the component as genuine (216). In acase where it does not detect a genuine filter system, the ECU orcontroller may decide to set off a fault code, notify the operatorthrough a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), de-rate the engine, orperform or provide another suitable response.

Additional details of the above described systems and methods aredescribed in further detail below. The below-described examples relateto example applications of the concept to a Fuel-Water separator,Lube/Fuel filter, and cartridge style filter assemblies.

Example Integrated Chip in a Water-in-Fuel (WIF) Sensor for Fuel-WaterSeparators

Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3D, a WIF sensor system 300 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The system 300 includes a WIFsensor 302 connected to a wiring harness 304. The WIF sensor 302includes a digital chip 306 (e.g., a 1-WIRE® chip) integrated in thebody of the WIF sensor 302. The digital chip 306 stores information(e.g., information as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2).The information may be encrypted. The information is to be pulled by theECU and verified (e.g., at regular intervals, at every key-on event,etc.). The WIF sensor is part of a fuel-water separator assembly. Inthis design, the WIF sensor 302 is installed on a filter through aone-directional, snap-in feature 308 that creates a permanent connectionbetween the filter and the WIF sensor 302 (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.8,105,483). A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 310 contains the digital chip306. The digital chip 306 may be soldered to the PCB 310. The PCB 310 isdesigned to provide connection holes for two WIF probes 312 and sensorconnector wires 314 for links to a control circuit external to thefilter, such as the ECU of an internal combustion engine. The probes 312and sensor connector wires 314 may be soldered and potted with epoxy.Electrical traces built into the PCB facilitate the signal communicationbetween the digital chip 306 and the sensor connector, and later to theECU. The PCB 310 is enclosed inside the body of the WIF sensor 302.Alternatively, the filter recognition feature could be established byassembling the digital chip 306 to the filter by other means, provided aconnection line to the ECU is made available. In some arrangements, thePCB 310 additionally includes a resistor 316, The resistor may be an 82kOhm resistor and may be welded between the pins to the PCB 310.

During engine operation, the WIF sensor 302 is connected to the ECU withwiring harness 304 such that, when the ECU is powered on, it forms anelectrical circuit with the digital chip 306 built into the filter body.The unique code or information that is stored in a memory of the digitalchip 306 chip in every filter is used as a way to identify that agenuine filter is installed on the engine. At the same time, anothervoltage band across the sensor probes is used by the ECU to detectpresence of WIF and indicate to the operator that the filter is due tobe drained for water.

In the example of system 300, the filter recognition feature is providedusing an existing electrical connection with the ECU through the WIFsensor 302 installed in fuel-water separators.

Example Integrated Resistor in Filter Body (Non-WIF Sensor Based FilterRecognition)

Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4E, a digital chip based filterrecognition system 400 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.The digital chip based filter recognition system 400 can be applied toliquid filtration products (e.g., lube filters, fuel filters, hydraulicfilters, etc.) that do not have an existing WIF sensor connection to theECU (e.g., as discussed above with respect to system 300). In system400, a recognition module 402 is permanently attached to the filter body404 via a mounting boss 406. The recognition module 402 may be attachedon the top, bottom, side or any part of the filter body 404. Therecognition module 402 is attached to the filter body via plasticwelding, epoxying, or another suitable connection type.

The recognition module 402 may be constructed in many different formsand shapes, one of which in rectangular form, which is shown in FIGS. 4Athrough 4E. The recognition module 402 consists of an insulativematerial body 408 (e.g., a plastic body) through which two electricalcontact pins 410 are provided to form a male electrical connection tothe ECU via a wiring harness. Although male contact pins 410 are shownin FIG. 4C, a pin or crimp electrical contact can be provided on theinsulative material body 408 to form a male or female electricalconnection respectively depending upon choice. On the other side of therecognition module 402, the pins 410 are directly connected to a PCB412. The PCB 412 may be a flexible PCB. Any suitable means of attachmentcan be used to connect the pins 410 to the PCB 412, including soldering(as shown FIG. 4B) and epoxy. One pin provides power and signalcommunication for the chip and the other pin is grounded.

A pre-programmed digital chip 414 (e.g., a 1-WIRE® chip), is provided onthe PCB 412 to form an integrated circuit (IC) assembly. Any method ofIC packaging technology (e.g., through-hole, surface mount, etc.) can beused to construct the IC assembly. The digital chip 414 is attached tothe PCB 412 via a surface mount packaging method (e.g., soldering, sonicwelding, etc.). This recognition module 402 is permanently attached tothe filter assembly via the mounting boss 406 on the filter body 404.The other end of the recognition module forms a connector 416 for theECU connection. The digital chip 414 stores encrypted code containinginformation about the filter assembly.

When a new filter with the integrated recognition module is installedonto the engine and connected to the ECU via a wiring harness 418. Thewiring harness includes a female connector which in turn connects thePCB 412 to the ECU. The ECU provides power to the digital chip 412 andattempts to read the encrypted digital information from the digital chip412 in the recognition module 402. Afterwards, the ECU can correctlymatch the gathered digital information to pre-programmed codes, andtherefore, detect the presence of a genuine filter.

Example Resistor Based Electronic Recognition for a Cartridge Filter

Filter assemblies, which have serviceable replacement cartridge filters,can also be provided with a digital chip-based electronic filterrecognition feature. The recognition feature can be integrated in thetop endplate of the filter element, the bottom endplate of the filterelement, or another suitable location of the filter element. Theelectrical connection from the digital filter recognition feature(situated in the top or bottom endplate) to the ECU can be made throughvarious means. Two different arrangements of the above noted example arediscussed in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 5A through 5Fand FIGS. 6A through 6E.

Referring to FIGS. 5A through 5F, a filter cartridge 500 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. As described in further detailbelow, the filter cartridge 500 includes a digital filter recognitionfeature attached permanently to the bottom endplate of the filtercartridge, with connection made to ECU through a dual-sided, WIF-likesensor that is integrated directly into the body of the filter shell orfilter housing.

The filter cartridge 500 includes a filter element 502 with top endplate(not shown) and bottom endplate 504. An electronic filter recognitionmodule 506 is integrated with the bottom endplate 504. As discussedabove, the recognition module 506 can be of any form, shape and size, inthis particular instance, the recognition module is shown as being asquare shaped module. The recognition module 506 consists of a digitalchip 508 (e.g., a 1-WIRE® chip). The digital chip 508 may be an IC. Thedigital chip 508 attached to or embedded on a PCB 510, and electricalcontacts that are housed inside a housing 512. The housing 512 may besquare in shape and may be constructed of plastic or any otherinsulator. The housing 512 may be sonic welded to the bottom endplate504. This method of construction of the recognition module 506 issimilar to the one described above with respect to recognition module402. The recognition module 506 differs from the recognition module 402in that pin receptacle electrical contacts 514 are used. A suitablemeans of attachment can be used to connect the pin receptacles 514 tothe PCB 510 (e.g., soldering, epoxy, etc.). The digital chip 508 may besoldered onto the PCB 510 via surface mount packaging method. Therecognition module 506 is permanently attached to the bottom end plate504 using a suitable attachment method (e.g., plastic welding, epoxy,etc.). The recognition module 506 includes a female connector 516positioned opposite the pin receptacles 514 (i.e., the opposite side ofthe housing 512 than the side with the PCB 510).

Since the recognition module 506 is an integral part of the bottomendplate 504, the recognition module 506 is part of the filter element502. As shown in FIGS. 5C through 5E, the filter element 502 is shownassembled in a filter housing assembly 518. When installed in the filterhousing assembly 518, the recognition module 506 connects with a sensor520 with sensing probes 522 that are attached to a bottom shell portion524 of the filter housing assembly 518. The sensor 520 may be a WIFsensor in cases of fuel-water separators with cartridge elements or afilter recognition sensor in cases of lube, fuel, hydraulic, or otherfilters having cartridge elements.

Upon installation of the filter element 502 into the housing 518, thefemale pin receptacles 514 of the recognition module 506 connect to themale sensor probes 522 on one end of the sensor 520, and the other endof the sensor is in-turn are connected to the ECU via a wiring harnesses526. The wiring harness 526 includes a bracket that has a boltedconnector which receives the connection from the cartridge 400 and thehousing further communicating digital data to the ECU. The bottomconnector is guided in the bracket of the wiring harness 526 to ensureproper alignment of the cartridge 500. Upon providing electrical power,the ECU system, as discussed above, attempts to read the encrypteddigital information from the digital chip 508 in the recognition module506 to correctly detect the presence of a genuine filter.

Referring to FIGS. 6A through 6E, a filter assembly 600 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. As described in further detailbelow, the filter assembly 600 includes a digital recognition featurebuilt into a top end-plate, with the connection made to the ECU througha fuel-heater. The filter assembly 600 includes a digital chiprecognition module 602 integrated directly to an extension 604 of thetop endplate 606 of a replaceable filter element 608. The recognitionmodule 602 includes a digital chip (e.g., a 1-WIRE® chip) that performsa similar identification function with respect to the filter element 608as described above with respect to the recognition module 506 and filterelement 502. An electrical connection between the recognition module 602and the ECU 614 is established through any means. As shown in FIGS. 6Aand 6B, the electrical connection is made through an existing heaterassembly 610 integrated on the shell housing 612 of the filter assembly600. The recognition module 602, which includes the digital chipattached to a PCB (e.g., in a similar manner as described above withrespect to system 300, system 400, and filter cartridge 500), is turnintegrated in the top endplate 606 through any means such that twoelectrical contact pins 616 are electrically connected to the PCBassembly. The electrical contact pins 616 are included in the top endplate plastic body or any other insulative material. The contact pins616 form a male electric connection on one end while the other endhouses the other electronic components, including the digital chip andPCB. The location of the recognition module 602 as shown in this exampleis on the side of the top endplate 606. In alternative arrangements, therecognition module 602 can be permanently attached to any other side ofthe endplate (side, top, bottom etc.) as long as an electricalconnection through a wiring harnesses 618 is available to be made to theECU 614.

On the filter shell housing 612, a protrusion 620 provides for femaleconnector to which the connector pins 616 from the top-endplate 606 canbe connected. The protrusion 620 on the shell housing 612 includes twometal crimps 622 integrated in the female sockets of the shell housing6012, which in-turn are connected to a metal connection plate 624 on theheater assembly 610, which in-turn is electrically connected to malepin(s) 626 of the heater assembly 610. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6E, theheater assembly 610 includes three connection pins 626: a common groundpin, a heater power pin, and a digital line pin. The digital line pin isused to provide for the added filter electronic recognition featureprovided by the recognition module 602. The heater power pin and theground pin are used for the intended purpose of electrically heating thefluid with the heater assembly 610. Accordingly, a joint heater andfilter recognition assembly is shown. This assembly can be connected tothe mounting boss 628 of the housing 612.

The recognition module 602 is an integral part of the top endplate 606,and thus, part of the filter element 608. Upon installation of thefilter element 608 into the housing body 612, the recognition module 602forms an electrical connection to the ECU 614 via the male pins 616 onthe top endplate 606, then to the female connector crimps 622, the metalplate 624, the heater pins 626 and then through the wiring harness 618.Upon providing electrical power, the ECU 614, similar to as discussedabove with respect to system 300, system 400, and filter cartridge 400,attempts to correctly detect the presence of a genuine filter by readingthe encrypted digital information from the digital chip in therecognition module 602.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily apparent to one skilledin the art that varying substitutions and modifications may be made tothe invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention. The invention illustratively described hereinsuitably may be practiced in the absence of any element or elements,limitation or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein.The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in theuse of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognizedthat various modifications are possible within the scope of theinvention. Thus, it should be understood that although the presentinvention has been illustrated by specific embodiments and optionalfeatures, modification and/or variation of the concepts herein disclosedmay be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that suchmodifications and variations are considered to be within the scope ofthis invention.

Citations to a number of references are made herein. The citedreferences are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. Inthe event that there is an inconsistency between a definition of a termin the specification as compared to a definition of the term in a citedreference, the term should be interpreted based on the definition in thespecification.

1. A filter recognition apparatus, comprising: a filter elementconstructed to filter a fluid; and a pre-programmed digital microchipcoupled to the filter element, the microchip including a memory thatstores an identifying code that identifies the filter element, themicrochip utilizing a single data line and ground reference to establishelectronic communication between the microchip and a master controller.2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the digital microchipcomprises a 1-Wire® chip.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe identifying code is encrypted.
 4. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein the digital microchip is embedded in the filter element. 5.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the filter element is partof a fuel-water separator, the fuel-water separator comprising awater-in-fuel (WIF) sensor, and wherein the digital microchip isembedded in the WIF sensor.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5,wherein the WIF sensor has sensing probes, and wherein the digitalmicrochip is contained on a printed circuit board (PCB) that definesconnection holes through which the probes of the WIF sensor extend. 7.The apparatus according to claim 6, comprising an electrical connectorwire connecting both the PCB and the WIF sensor to a control circuit. 8.The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a housing that containsthe filter element, wherein the digital microchip is attached to thehousing.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the micro-chipis contained in a recognition module attached to the filter housing. 10.The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recognition modulecomprises a plastic body through which electrical contact pins areprovided for connection to the digital microchip.
 11. The apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein the digital microchip is contained on aprinted circuit board (PCB) that is connected to the electrical contactpins.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recognitionmodule comprises a plastic body though which electrical receptacles areformed.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the electricalreceptacles are formed through the PCB.
 14. The apparatus according toclaim 13, comprising a sensor on the filter housing, the sensorcomprising probes that extend through the receptacles on the PCB. 15.The apparatus according to claim 14, comprising a wiring harness forconnecting the sensor to a control circuit.
 16. The apparatus accordingto claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a top end plate and a bottomend plate and wherein the digital microchip is attached to one of thetop end plate and bottom end plate.
 17. The apparatus according to claim16, comprising an electrical connector for connecting the digitalmicrochip to a control circuit via a heater assembly for heating fluidin the apparatus.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein theelectrical connector comprises electrical contact pins.
 19. Theapparatus according to claim 18, wherein the filter comprises a housingprotrusion having at least one female connector to which the electricalcontact pins are connected.
 20. The apparatus according to claim 19,wherein the heater assembly comprises a metal connection plate to whichthe at least one female connector is connected.
 21. A system providingfilter recognition, the system comprising: a filter element constructedto filter a fluid; a pre-programmed digital microchip coupled to thefilter element and containing an encrypted digital identifier thatidentifies the filter element, the microchip utilizing a single dataline and ground reference to establish electronic communication betweenthe microchip and a control circuit; and the control circuit that readsthe digital identifier from the microchip and compares the digitalidentifier to a stored identifier to determine whether the filterelement is a recognized filter element.
 22. The system according toclaim 21, comprising a user interface, wherein the control circuitcontrols the user interface to communicate to an operator whether thefilter element is a recognized filter element.
 23. The system accordingto claim 22, wherein the user interface comprises a display.
 24. Amethod of filter recognition, the method comprising: providing a filterelement constructed to filter a fluid; programming a digital microchipwith an encrypted digital identifier that identifies the filter element,the digital microchip utilizing a single data line and ground referenceto establish electronic communication between the microchip and a mastercontroller; coupling the digital microchip to the filter element;reading the digital identifier from the microchip; and comparing thedigital identifier to a stored identifier to determine whether thefilter element is a recognized filter element.
 25. The method accordingto claim 24, comprising communicating whether the filter element is arecognized filter element to an operator.